Billingshurst Crime Rate May 2025 | Monthly Statistics

For a community of 11,140 residents, 69 crimes reported in May 2025 equate to one crime for every 161 people over the course of the month. This translates to 6.2 crimes per 1,000 residents, marking a significant 23.5% reduction compared to the UK average of 8.1 per 1,000. The crime profile reflects a pronounced focus on interpersonal issues, with violence and sexual offences accounting for 46.4% of all reports—32 incidents in total. This category, while 2% above the UK average for the same type, aligns with the seasonal rhythm of May, when bank holidays and extended evenings often lead to increased socialising in public spaces. Anti-social behaviour, the second most common category at 17.4% (12 incidents), is 23% below the UK average, suggesting local community engagement or policing initiatives may be contributing to this trend. The data also highlights a stark contrast in property crime distribution, with only 16 property-related incidents compared to 32 violent crimes, a ratio that diverges from many urban centres where property crime typically dominates. This imbalance may reflect Billingshurst's character as a built-up area within Horsham, where social interactions and community dynamics play a more prominent role in shaping crime patterns than commercial or industrial activity. The seasonal context of May—characterised by longer evenings and increased outdoor activity—may further amplify the visibility of violent and anti-social incidents, even as property crime remains relatively low. These patterns underscore the need to consider both geographic and temporal factors when interpreting crime statistics for this area.

May 2025 saw notable shifts in crime patterns, with criminal damage and arson surging by 133.3% compared to the previous month, rising from 3 to 7 incidents. This increase, coupled with the doubling of theft from the person (from 0 to 1) and bicycle theft (from 0 to 1), points to a potential uptick in property-related incidents linked to outdoor activity. Conversely, vehicle crime fell by 50% (from 2 to 1), possibly due to reduced parking congestion or altered commuter patterns during the holiday season. The crime mix also revealed intriguing contrasts: while violence and sexual offences remained the most prevalent category, they were only 2% above the UK average for that type. Anti-social behaviour, however, was 23% below the UK average, suggesting either effective local interventions or demographic factors influencing this category. Another striking data point is the 87% increase in 'other crime' compared to the UK average, though this category accounts for only 4.4% of total incidents. Residents might find the 70% shortfall in shoplifting compared to the UK average particularly noteworthy, indicating that retail crime may not be a pressing concern in this area despite its built-up nature. These fluctuations highlight the complexity of crime dynamics in Billingshurst, where local characteristics appear to modulate national trends in unexpected ways.

The crime rate in Billingshurst rose by 20.9% from 5.1 per 1,000 in April 2025 to 6.2 per 1,000 in May, reflecting a monthly increase that, while modest, warrants attention. On a daily basis, this translates to approximately 2 crimes per day—a figure that, when contextualised against the area's population of 11,140, suggests a relatively low level of criminal activity compared to larger urban centres. Over the course of May, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 161 residents, a monthly exposure rate that is lower than the UK average when adjusted for population size. This statistic, however, should be interpreted with care, as the UK does not publish equivalent daily or monthly exposure figures for comparative purposes. The population-scaled perspective reveals that Billingshurst's crime rate, though higher than April's, remains well below the UK average, reinforcing the area's status as a relatively safe built-up district within Horsham. The combination of a 23.5% deficit compared to the UK average and a 20.9% monthly increase illustrates the dual influence of local factors and broader national trends on crime statistics. While the overall rate remains in line with the area's historical profile, the specific increases in criminal damage and arson may signal new challenges requiring tailored community responses.